Power Figure from the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Item Details

Democratic Republic of the Congo
Untitled (power figure), 20th century
Carved wood figure with pigment and protruding nails and pieces of metal
Unmarked

A 20th century power figure from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This striking figure features a central compartment to hold medicine or magical objects. The figure contains many nails and shards of metal, which represent prayers to the fetish spirit. This fetish would have been used as an accessory by a priest or soothsayer to help an individual or a group with sickness or to ward off evil. A similar figure remains in the Quai Branly Museum collection in Paris.

Condition

- heavy dust, accretions, and debris throughout; cracks, scratches, and chipping to figure; nails and metal can be sharp and rusted.

Dimensions

Item #

ITMG073629